Atlantic horse mackerel
Trachurus trachurus
Also known as: Scad
The most productive schooling fish from piers and shore; a beginner favourite.
Habitat
Under piers, in harbours and open coastal water; moves deeper in winter.
Behaviour
Travels in large schools and gathers under lights at night.
Feeding
Planktonic crustaceans and small baitfish.
Recommended baits
Sabiki rigs, small jigs, shrimp or anchovy strips.
Recommended methods
Sabiki, light jigging, float fishing from piers.
Safe handling and release
The bony scutes along the lateral line can cut — hold without squeezing.
Confusable with
Mackerel and other scads; horse mackerel has a row of hard scutes along the lateral line.
Regulations
- Minimum size
- 13 cm
T.C. Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı · last verified 03.08.2026
Regulation information is not legal advice. Rules vary by country, region and season; every record shows its source and last verification date. Always check the current official regulations yourself.